GEOGRAPHIC MANAGED CARE PROGRAM COMBINED EVIDENCE OF COVERAGE AND DISCLOSURE FORM FOR Access Dental Plan, Inc. P.O. Box 659005 Sacramento, CA 95865-9005 (877) 821-3234 www.premierlife.com.com THIS COMBINED EVIDENCE OF COVERAGE AND DISCLOSURE FORM CONSTITUTES ONLY A SUMMARY OF THE DENTAL PLAN. THE DENTAL PLAN CONTRACT MUST BE CONSULTED TO DETERMINE THE EXACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF COVERAGE. This Evidence of Coverage ( EOC ) states the terms and conditions of coverage under the Sacramento Geographic Managed Care Program. This form is a summary of the dental services available to you as an Enrollee of Access Dental Plan, Inc. Please keep these materials for your reference as they contain important information regarding the Plan and its operations. Any questions you have regarding coverage on any of the following specific provisions may be directed to Member Services at (877) 821-3234.. You may also visit our website at www.premierlife.com to review your Evidence of Coverage, Benefit Schedule and a list of network providers. [1]
Contents INTRODUCTION... 4 Using this Booklet... 4 Contact Member Services... 4 Language Assistance... 4 DEFINITIONS... 5 MEMBER RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES... 6 ELIGIBILITY, ENROLLMENT AND DISENROLLMENT... 7 Eligibility and Enrollment... 7 Coverage Effective Date... 7 Termination... 7 Plan-Initiated Disenrollment... 8 ACCESSING CARE... 9 Physical Access... 9 Access for the Hearing Impaired... 9 Access for the Vision Impaired... 9 The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990... 9 USING THE DENTAL PLAN... 10 Member Identification Card... 10 Facilities Locations... 10 Scheduling Appointments... 10 Costs to you... 11 Changing Your Primary Care Dentist... 11 Schedule of Benefits... 11 Limitations and Exclusions... 11 Exemptions to Eliminated Adult Benefits... 12 Continuity of Care... 13 Second Opinions... 16 GRIEVANCES AND APPEALS... 16 Appeals... 17 Independent Medical Review (IMR)... 18 Binding Arbitration... 18 MEMBER PRIVACY... 19 PUBLIC POLICY PARTICIPATION... 20 PROMOTION OF A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE... 20 CALIFORNIA CHILDREN SERVICES... 20 WORKERS COMENSATION... 21 ORGAN DONATION... 21 BENEFITS SCHEDULE FOR MEMBERS UNDER THE AGE OF 21... 22 BENEFITS FOR MEMBERS OVER THE AGE OF 21... 26 GRIEVANCE FORM... 29 [2]
PUBLIC POLICY COMMITTEE APPLICATION... 30 [3]
INTRODUCTION Using this Booklet This booklet is the Combined Evidence of Coverage and Disclosure Form, or EOC. It explains what is covered and not covered under your plan. It also has information you may need about special health care needs. Please read this booklet carefully. It will tell you how to use the plan. The Benefit Schedule Section includes a list of covered services. Throughout this booklet, you will see the terms you, your, and member. These terms refer to the child or children enrolled in the plan. We, us, our, and Plan always refers to Access Dental Plan. Provider or dentist refers to a licensed dentist who is responsible for providing dental services to you. Before enrolling under this plan, a person has a right to view this book. This can be done by contacting the Member Services Department. Member Services can send you a copy of this book. Contact Member Services Our Member Services Department is available to help you. Please contact us if you have a question or problem. Phone: (877) 821-3234 By Mail: Access Dental Plan Member Services P.O. Box 659005 Sacramento, CA 95865-9005 You may also get information on our website. You can get a copy of this book, view your benefits and find a dentist. The website address is www.premierlife.com. Language Assistance The Plan offers language assistance services. There is no charge for the services. Call Member Services to request language services (TDD/TTY for the hearing impaired at 1-800-735-2929). Please inform your provider if you have a preferred language other than English. Your provider will work with us to provide the language services you need. Interpreter services: You can speak to Member Services in your preferred language. Find a provider who speaks your language: We can help you find a provider who speaks your language. If a provider cannot be located, you can request an interpreter for your appointment. Assistance filing a grievance: The Grievances and Appeals Section describes the process for filing a complaint or grievance. You can ask for language assistance if you need help with the process. Translated materials: Standard documents are available in certain languages under the GMC program. You can also request translation of a non-standard document. The Plan shall provide the translation within 21 days of the request. [4]
DEFINITIONS Adult: A Member age 21 and over who will continue to be enrolled in Medi-Cal Managed Care Plan with a limited scope of benefits effective July 1, 2009. Benefits and Coverage: The dental health care services available under the and dental provisions of the California Medi-Cal program. Denti-Cal: The dental program or dental services as a Medi-Cal benefit. DHCS: Department of Health Care Services. Disenrollment: When a Member is no longer able to receive Benefits and Coverage with Access Dental Plan. DMHC: Department of Managed Health Care. Elective Dentistry or Exclusion: Any dental procedure(s) or service(s) not available under the Geographic Managed Care Program and the dental provisions of the California Medi-Cal program. Eligible: A Member is allowed to use or qualifies for coverage. Emergency Care: Services required for alleviation of severe pain or bleeding and / or immediate diagnosis and treatment of unforeseen conditions which, if not immediately diagnosed and treated, may lead to disability, dysfunction, or death. EOC: Evidence of Coverage. FRADS: The abbreviation for Federally Required Adult Dental Services. The services that are allowable as Federally Required Adult Dental Services under this definition are listed in Attachment B. GMC: Geographic Managed Care. HCO: Health Care Options. Limitation: Any provision other than an Exclusion which restricts coverage for the providing of dental health care services under the Plan. Medi-Cal Beneficiary: A California Medi-Cal recipient who is eligible to participate in the Plan pursuant to Plan eligibility requirements. Member: means any presently enrolled Medi-Cal recipient who has completed a Plan membership application and receives Benefits and Coverage. Plan: Access Dental Plan, Inc. Primary Care Dentist (PCD): General or pediatric dentist that coordinates, supports, and provides the delivery of dental care. Provider: Dentist providing general or specialty dental services under contract with the Plan. Service Area: The geographic area where the Plan provides Benefits and Coverage for the GMC program. You: The Member participating in the Plan. [5]
MEMBER RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES As an Access Dental Plan member, you have the right to: Be treated with respect, giving due consideration to your right to privacy and the need to maintain confidentiality of your medical and dental information. Be provided with information about the plan and its services, including covered services, as identified in the Medi-Cal Dental Manual of Criteria. Be able to choose a Primary Care Dentist within the Plan s network. Participate in decision making regarding your own dental care, including the right to refuse treatment. Voice grievances, either verbally or in writing, about the organization or the care received. Receive interpretation services for your language. Have access to all medically necessary dental service provided in Federally Qualified Health Centers, Rural Health Clinics or Indian Health Service Facilities, and access to emergency dental services outside the Plan s network pursuant to federal law. Request a State Medi-Cal fair hearing, including information on the circumstances under which an expedited fair hearing is possible. Have access to, and where legally appropriate, receive copies of, amend or correct your dental record. Disenroll upon request. Receive written Member informing materials in alternative formats (including Braille, large size print, and audio format) upon request and in a timely fashion appropriate for the format being requested. Be free from any form of restraint or seclusion used as a means of coercion, discipline, convenience, or retaliation. Receive information on available treatment options and alternatives, presented in a manner appropriate to your condition and ability to understand, including informed consent. Have freedom to exercise these rights without adversely affecting how you are treated by the Plan, providers, or the State. Have access to the Plan s health education programs and outreach services in order to improve dental health. Request a second opinion, including from a specialist at no cost. You have the responsibility to: Give your providers and Access Dental Plan correct information. Understand your dental problems(s) and participate in developing treatment goals, as much as possible, with your provider. Always present your Member Identification Card when getting services. Ask questions about any dental condition and make certain that the explanations and instructions are understandable. Make and keep dental appointments. You should inform your provider at least 24 hours in advance when an appointment must be cancelled. Help Access Dental Plan maintain accurate and current medical records by providing timely information regarding changes in address, family status, and other health care coverage. Notify Access Dental Plan as soon as possible if a provider bills you inappropriately or if you have a complaint. Treat all Access Dental Plan personnel and providers respectfully and courteously. [6]
ELIGIBILITY, ENROLLMENT AND DISENROLLMENT Eligibility and Enrollment Any eligible Medi-cal Benificiary residing within Sacramento County is eligible to receive Coverage for dental services. You may visit the Denti-Cal and Medi-Cal websites for updated information at www.denti-cal.ca.gov and www.medical.ca.gov. To receive Coverage, a Medi-Cal Beneficiary should complete an Enrollment / Disenrollment form available through Health Care Options (HCO) who may be reached at 1-800-430-4263 or at the Plan Provider offices. Once completed, the form should be returned to: Health Care Options (HCO) P. O. Box: 989009 West Sacramento, California 95798-9850 The Health Care Options Program has also added language lines and has changed the process for answering those lines. The language lines now include: Argentinean (800) 840-5032 Cambodian (800) 430-5005 Cantonese (800) 430-6006 English (800) 430-4263 Farsi (800) 840-5034 Hmong (800) 430-2022 Laotian (800) 430-4091 Russian (800) 430-7007 Spanish (800) 430-3003 Vietnamese (800) 430-8008 TDD (800) 430-7077 Eligibility under the Plan will continue unless a Member becomes ineligible for coverage under the California Medi-Cal program, disenrolls from the Plan, moves out of the service area, or eligibility changes to a GMC ineligible aid category. A Member may be entitled to continue to receive dental care by the Plan even if he or she is no longer eligible because of an increase in income. The California Health and Human Services offers dental coverage through the Transitional Medi- Cal Coverage Program. To receive additional information about the transitional coverage and whether you would qualify, please contact the California Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-880-5305, or visit the Denti-Cal and Medi-Cal websites at www.denti-cal.ca.gov and www.medi-cal.ca.gov. Coverage Effective Date Coverage shall begin at 12:01 a.m. on the first day of the month for which the Member s name is added to the approved list of Members furnished by the Department of Health Care Services to the Plan. The term of membership will continue indefinitely unless this Contract expires, is terminated, or the Member is disenrolled under the conditions described below. Termination Your coverage can end or be cancelled immediately, when: Access Premier Dental is notified that a Member is ineligible to participate in the Medi-Cal Program, Member's change of residence to a location outside Sacramento County; A Member is covered by Medi-Cal in an ineligible aid category, and A Member ends (terminates) their own Plan Coverage. Disenrollment (if appropriate) shall be effective within 15 to 45 days after receipt of a Member's complete and executed disenrollment form by HCO. A Plan disenrollment form is available at the Plan office headquarters, any Plan Provider [7]
office, or by calling 1-800-430-4263. A Member may voluntarily disenroll from the Plan at any time and can enroll in another plan either through Member's own choice or through default. An individual whose Plan benefits have been previously terminated or canceled and who is now an eligible Medi-Cal Beneficiary may re-enroll in the Plan. Refer to the Eligibility Section of this booklet for information about enrollment.. A Member will be disenrolled from the Plan on the first day of the month following any of the following events: 1) Member seeks dental care on a fee-for-service basis from an Indian Health Service facility; 2) Member is receiving care under the Foster Care or Adoption Assistance Program or through the Child Protective Services; 3) Member has a complex medical condition, such as pregnancy, in need of an organ transplant, chronic renal condition, tested positive for HIV or AIDS, receiving treatment for cancer, requiring major surgery, receiving care for a complex neurological condition, or receiving sub-acute, acute, intermediate or skilled nursing care; 4) Member is enrolled in a Medi-Cal waiver program; 5) Member is participating in a Department of Health Care Services Pilot Project; 6) Member was incorrectly assigned to the Plan; 7) Member has moved outside the Plan s approved service area; and 8) Member is already receiving dental care through another dental plan or Medicare. Visit the Denti-Cal and Medi-Cal websites for updated information at www.denti-cal.ca.gov and www.medi-cal.ca.gov. Plan-Initiated Disenrollment The Plan may recommend to DHCS the disenrollment of any Member for cause. Except in cases of violent behavior or fraud, the Plan shall make significant effort to resolve the problem with the Member through avenues such as reassignment of Primary Care Dentist or education before requesting a Plan-initiated disenrollment. The Plan will submit to DHCS a written request for disenrollment with supporting documentation based on the breakdown of the Plan-Member relationship. The Plan may recommend to DHCS the disenrollment of a Member because of, but not limited to, one of the reasons below: Repeated and Unjustified Verbal Abuse: Member is repeatedly abusive to the Providers, ancillary or administrative staff, subcontractor staff or to other Plan Members; Unjustified Physical Abuse: Member physically assaults a Provider or staff person, subcontractor staff person, or other Member, or threatens another individual with a weapon on the Plan's premises. In this instance, the Plan or the Provider will file a police report and file charges against the Member; Unjustified Disruptive Behavior: Member is disruptive to Plan's operations in general; Habitual Use of Non-Network Providers: Member habitually uses providers not affiliated with the Plan for non-emergency services without required authorizations (causing Plan to be subjected to repeated Provider demands for payment for those services or other demonstrable degradation in Plan's relations with community Provider); Fraudulent Use of Medi-Cal Coverage: Member has allowed the fraudulent use of Medi-Cal coverage under the Plan, which includes allowing others to use the Member's Plan Membership card to receive services from Provider; or [8]
Unjustified Noncompliance with Prescribed Treatment: A Member's failure to follow prescribed treatment (including failure to keep established dental appointments) will not, in and of itself, be good cause for the approval by the DHCS of a Plan-initiated disenrollment request unless the Plan can demonstrate to DHCS that, as a result of the failure, the Plan is exposed to a substantially greater and unforeseeable risk than that otherwise contemplated under the Plan and rate negotiations. The Plan-initiated disenrollment must be prior approved by DHCS. The Plan will notify the Member in writing about the Plan s intent to disenroll the Member for cause. The Plan will allow a period of twenty (20) calendar days from the date of the receipt of the letter for the Member to respond to a proposed action prior to disenrollment. **NOTE: Except in cases of violent behavior or fraud, the Plan shall make significant effort to resolve the problem with the Member through avenues such as reassignment of Primary Care Dentist or education before requesting a Planinitiated disenrollment. The Plan shall not terminate or cancel Coverage to a Member based upon the Member's health status or requirements for health care services. Any Member who alleges that an enrollment has been canceled because of the Member's health status or requirements for health care services may request a review of cancellation by the Commissioner of the Department of Managed Health Care, at 1-866-452-8609. Disenrollment Process: The Plan will submit to DHCS a written request for disenrollment with supporting documentation based on the breakdown of the Plan-Member relationship. The Plan -initiated disenrollment must be prior approved by DHCS. The Plan will notify the Member in writing about the Plan's intent to disenroll the Member for cause. The Plan will allow a period of twenty (20) calendar days from the date of the receipt of the letter for the Member to respond to a proposed action prior to disenrollment Physical Access ACCESSING CARE Access Dental Plan has made every effort to ensure that our offices and the offices and facilities of the Plan providers are accessible to the disabled. If you are not able to locate an accessible provider, please call us toll free at 1-916-646-2130 and we will help you find an alternate provider. Access for the Hearing Impaired The hearing impaired may contact us through our TDD number at 1-800-735-2929, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Between 6:00 PM and 8:30 AM and on weekends, please call the California Relay Service TTY at 1-800- 735-2929 to get the help you need. Access for the Vision Impaired This Evidence of Coverage (EOC) and other important Plan materials will be made available in large print, enlarged computer disk formats, and audiotape for the vision impaired. For alternative formats, or for direct help in reading the EOC and other materials, please call us at (877) 821-3234. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 Access Dental Plan complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). This Act prohibits discrimination based on disability. The Act protects members with disabilities from discrimination concerning program services. In addition, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 states that no qualified disabled person shall be excluded, based on disability, from participating in any program or activity which receives or benefits from federal financial assistance, nor be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under such a program or activity. [9]
USING THE DENTAL PLAN Member Identification Card All members of the Plan are given a member identification card. This card contains important information for obtaining services. If you have not received or if you have lost your member identification card, please call us at (877) 821-3234. (TDD/TTY for the hearing impaired at 1-800-735-2929) and we will send you a new card. Please show your Plan member identification card to your provider when you receive dental care. Only the member is authorized to obtain dental services using his or her member identification card. If a card is used by or for an individual other than the member, that individual will be billed for the services he or she receives. Additionally, if you let someone else use your member identification card, the Plan may not be able to keep you in our plan. Facilities Locations PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION SO YOU WILL KNOW FROM WHOM OR WHAT GROUP OF PROVIDERS DENTAL SERVICES MAY BE OBTAINED. The Plan s Primary Care Dentists are located close to where you work and live. To find out the exact address fo your Provider s dental office, you may look up his or her address in the Provider Directory or call the Plan at (877) 821-3234. Choosing a Primary Care Dentist (PCD) Members must select a Primary Care Dentist from the Plan s network of dentists. You can get a list of dentists online at www.premierlife.com. You can also call Member Services at (916) 646-2130 to get a list of dentists. Members must select a Primary Care Dentist from the list of Providers listed in the Provider Directory. The Member should indicate his/her choice of Primary Care Dentist on the application. Members from the same family may select different Primary Care Dentists. Should any Member fail to select a Primary Care Dentist at the time of enrollment, the Plan will assign the Member to an available Primary Care Dentist, who practices in close proximity to where the Member resides. Each Member s Primary Care Dentist is responsible for the coordination of the Member s (in coordination with the Plan) dental care. Except for Emergency Dental Care, any services and supplies obtained from any Provider other than the Member s Primary Care Dentist without an approved referral by the Plan will not be paid by the Plan. To receive information and assistance, and the office hours of your Primary Care Dentist, Members should contact a Member Service Representative by calling 1-888-849-8440 during regular business hours. As a Member of the Plan, you are eligible for Covered Services from a Plan Provider. To find out which Providers and facilities contract with the Plan, please refer to your Provider Directory. There is no charge for Covered Services (except Copayments) provided by your Primary Care Dentist, or in the case of care provided by someone other than your Primary Care Dentist, approved by the Plan, or when an Emergency Dental Condition exits. You should not receive a bill for a Covered Service from a Plan Provider (except for Copayments). However, if you do receive a bill, please contact the Plan s Member Services Department. The Plan will reimburse a Member for Emergency Dental Care or Urgent Care services (less any applicable Copayment). You will not be responsible for payments owed by the Plan to contracted Plan Providers. However, you will be liable for the costs of services to Providers who are not contracted with the Plan if you receive care without prior authorization (unless services are necessary as a result of an Emergency Dental Condition). If you choose to receive services, which are not Covered Services, you will be responsible for payment of those services. Scheduling Appointments Members may call the Provider directly to schedule an appointment or contact the Plan and the Plan will assist the Member in scheduling a dental appointment. Provider offices are open during normal business hours. Some offices are open on Saturdays. If you cannot go to your appointment, you must let the dental office know at least 24 hours in advance. A fee may be charged by your PCD for a missed appointment without 24 hours prior notification. Appointments for routine, preventive care and specialist consultation shall not exceed four weeks from the date of the request for an appointment. Wait time in the Primary Care Dentist s office shall not exceed 30 minutes. If the Member requires specialty care, the Member's Primary Care Dentist will contact the Plan who will arrange for such care. [10]
Costs to you There are no prepayment fees, periodic payments, co-payments, or other charges required from Members for Coverage under the Plan. Changing Your Primary Care Dentist A Member may transfer to another Primary Care Dentist by contacting the Plan at (877) 821-3234 and requesting such a transfer. A Member may change to another Primary Care Dentist as often as once each month. If the Plan receives the request more than four (4) business days prior to the end of the month, the effective date of the change will be the first day of the following month. All requests for transfer are subject to the availability of the selected Primary Care Dentist. The Plan may be unable to assign Members to their choice of Primary Care Dentist for one of the following reasons: The Primary Care Dentist is not currently accepting new patients. (This is probably a temporary situation and the Members may transfer to this Primary Care Dentist at a later date.) If the Primary Care Dentist reaches a maximum ratio of assigned Members. If your choice of Provider is unavailable: The Plan will assign one to you closest to your residence You may request a change of Provider by calling Member Services at (877) 821-3234. MEMBERS MAY ALSO: Receive general dental care at the Sacramento Native American Health Center or a Federal Qualified Health Center. If you would like information regarding receiving dental treatment at the Sacramento Native American Health Center or a Federal Qualified Health Center, please contact the Plan s Member Representative. **NOTE: No matter what the availability of Indian Health Service facilities, Members who are Native American may continue to receive treatment at his or her current dental provider. Schedule of Benefits For a complete listing of covered benefits for members under the age of 21, please see Attachment A. For a complete listing of covered benefits for members over the age of 21, please see Attachment B. Limitations and Exclusions LIMITATIONS (Members Under Age 21) Full upper and/or lower dentures are not to exceed one each in any five (5) year period Cleaning (prophylaxis) once every six (6) months Fluoride Varnish under (6) six years of age, up to three times in a 12-month period Relines limited to one per appliance per twelve (12) months Full mouth X-rays - once every three (3) years Posterior laboratory processed crown not a benefit for adults 21 years of age and older except when posterior tooth is used as an abutment for any fixed or removable prosthesis with cast clasps and rests and meets Denti- Cal Criteria. EXCLUSIONS (Members Under Age 21) Braces, except in the treatment of malocclusion for persons under the age of 21 years, or cleft palate deformities under the case management of California Children Services Program [11]
Treatment of incipient or non-active cavities in adults Cosmetic procedures Removable partial dentures, except when necessary for balance of a complete artificial denture Extraction of healthy teeth, except for: serial extractions required to minimize problems with the bite; teeth that interfere with denture or bridge construction; conditions perceptible through x-rays but which fail to elicit symptoms Pulp caps Fixed bridges, except when necessary for obtaining employment; medical conditions which preclude use of removable dentures Pedodontist referrals are not available for children 11 years old and older Exemptions to Eliminated Adult Benefits The following are exemptions to the eliminated adult dental benefits. In the following circumstances, Medi-Cal Dental providers may continue to provide services after July 1, and be reimbursed by Medi-Cal for those services: Medical and surgical services provided by a doctor or dental medicine or dental surgery, which, if provided by a physician, would be considered physician services, and which services may be provided by either a physician or a dentist in this state. - Federal law requires the provision of these services. The services that are allowable as Federally Required Adult Dental Services (FRADS) under this definition are listed in Attachment B. Pregnancy-related services and services for the treatment of other conditions that might complicate the pregnancy. - This includes 60 days of postpartum care. Services for pregnant beneficiaries who are 21 years of age or older are payable if the procedure is listed under Table 1 (Federally Required Adult Dental Services) or Table 2 (Allowable Procedure Codes for Pregnant Women), in Attachment B. Adult beneficiaries (age 21 and older) whose course of treatment began prior to July 1, 2009 and is scheduled to continue on or after July 1, 2009. - In these cases, the beneficiary must have been seen by the provider and the necessary course of treatment was evident prior to July 1, 2009. Note, this relates to a specified course of treatment with a completion date (e.g., to prepare a patient for dentures, and fabricate and deliver the dentures). Treatment must be completed within 180 days of the date the treatment was determined necessary. This provision only applies to the completion of treatment that was determined to be necessary before the benefits were eliminated. This provision is not to be construed to continue routine care (i.e., exams, cleanings, fillings, etc.) beyond July 1, 2009. Beneficiaries who are under 21 years of age and whose course of treatment is scheduled to continue after he/she turns 21 years of age (continuing services for EPSDT recipients) [Note: With the exception of orthodontic services which must be completed by the beneficiary s 21 st birthday.] - In these cases, the beneficiary must have been seen by the provider and the necessary treatment was evident prior to his/her 21 st birthday. Note, this relates to a specified course of treatment (e.g., to perform a root canal or complete a crown). Treatment must be completed within 180 days of the date the treatment was determined necessary. This provision only applies to completion of treatment that was determined to be necessary before the person became ineligible for that service due to reaching age 21. This provision is not to be construed to continue routine care (i.e., exams, cleanings, fillings, etc.) after the person turns 21. Beneficiaries receiving long-term care in a Intermediate Care Facility (ICF) or a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF), as defined in the Health and Safety Code (H&S Code), Section 1250, subdivisions (c) and (d), and licensed pursuant to H&S Code Section 1250, subdivision (k) are exempt from the change in adult dental services on July 1, 2009. Beneficiaries residing in ICF-Developmentally Disabled (DD), ICF-Developmentally Disable Habilitative (DDH) or ICF- Developmentally Disable Nursing (DDN) are also exempt from the change in adult dental services on July 1, 2009. - The facility definitions are available on the California Department of Public Health Website at http://hfcis.cdph.ca.gov/servicesandfacilities.aspx. Providers may confirm the licensing of a facility from this Web page. [12]
- Dental Services do not have to be provided in the facility to be payable. Providers are reminded to follow the existing prior authorization and documentation requirements. - If a provider receives a denial on a claim for a beneficiary who resides in a licensed SNF or ICF, the provider can submit a Claim Inquiry Form (CIF) including the facility name and address and have the claim reprocessed. If the services were denied on a prior authorization request, the provider can submit the prior authorization notice and request re-evaluation. Dental Service Precedent to a Covered Medical Service. - Beneficiaries may receive dental services that are necessary (precedent) in order to undergo a covered medical service. The majority of these dental services are covered under FRADS listed in Table 1 of Attachment B. A precedent dental service that is not on the list of FRADS will be evaluated and adjudicated on a case by case basis. An adult dental service may be reimbursable if any one of the above exceptions is met. Continuity of Care A Member may request to have treatment completed by a certain provider if: The treating provider is terminated while treatment is in progress, or A nonparticipating provider is treating a newly covered Member at the time coverage became effective. was providing the covered services to a newly covered Member at the time his or her coverage became effective. A Member can continue services from such providers in the following cases: Acute Conditions: The duration of an acute condition (defined as a dental condition that involves a sudden onset of symptoms due to an illness, injury, or other dental problem that requires prompt dental attention and that has a limited duration). Newborn Children between Birth and Age 36 Months: Plan shall provide for the completion of covered services for newborn children between birth and age 36 months for 12 months from the termination date of the provider s contract or 12 months from the effective date of coverage for a newly covered Member. Surgery or Other Procedure: Performance of surgery or other procedure authorized by Plans part of a documented course of treatment that is to occur within 180 days of the contract termination date for current Members or 180 days from the effective date of coverage for newly covered Member. PLAN is not required to provide benefits that are not otherwise covered under the terms and conditions of the subscriber contract. This policy does not apply to a newly covered Member covered under an individual subscriber agreement. Members may request continuation of care by calling Member Services at (877) 821-3234 during normal business hours. The Plan will review the request for continuation of care. The Plan will provide the Member: with the Dental Director s decision in writing within 5 business days of the receipt of the request and the copy of the Member s dental record or in a sooner timely manner appropriate for the Member s clinical condition. The written notice shall inform the Member how to file a grievance in the event the Member is dissatisfied with the decision. Plan requirements from the Provider: The terminated or nonparticipating provider to agree in writing to be subject to the same contractual terms and conditions that are imposed upon currently contracting providers, including, but not limited to: - credentialing - hospital privileging - utilization review [13]
- peer review - quality assurance requirements. Plan is not required to continue the services a Provider is providing to a Member if: The provider does not agree to comply or does not comply with these contractual terms and conditions. The provider does not accept the payment rates provided for in this paragraph. Unless Plan and Provider agree otherwise: According to this policy, the services shall be compensated at rates and methods of payment similar to those used by Plan for currently contracting Providers providing similar services including those: - Who are not capitated or - Who are practicing in the same or a similar geographic area as the nonparticipating provider. Members may request a copy the Plan s Continuation of Care Policy by calling the Plan s Customer Service Department at (916) 646-2130. Referrals to Specialists You must visit your PCD before going to a specialist. You must receive approval from the Plan before seeing the specialist. If you see the specialist without an approveal, the cost of the services will be your responsibility. How to get a referral: A Member must first visit his or her PCD. If needed, the PCD will determine if a routine referral or emergency referral is needed. Emergency Referrals: Emergency referrals are processed by the Plan immediately. The Plan calls the specialist to schedule an appointment for the Member. Routine referrals: Routine referrals are processed within five (5) business days from the request date. If there is an imminent and serious threat to the Member s health, the referral is processed within 72 hours if the docmentation is complete. - Copies of authorizations for regular referrals are sent to the MEMBER, the specialist and the Member s PCD. - The Plan reserves the right to determine the facility and Plan provider from which covered services requiring specialty care are obtained. The Member is encouraged to contact the PCD for follow-up care after treatment by a specialist. Emergency services do not require a referral. The Plan will not cover non-emergency services provided by a dentist other than your PCD. Prior Authorizations Your primary care dentist may refer you to another dentist for consultation or specialized treatment. You primary care dentist will submit a request to the Plan for authorization to see a specialist. Once your primary care dentist determines that you require the care of a specialist, your primary care dentist will determine if you need an emergency referral or a routine referral. The Plan processes emergency referrals immediately by calling a specialist to coordinate the scheduling of an appointment for you with the specialist. Routine referrals are processed in a timely fashion appropriate for your condition, not to exceed five (5) business days of receipt. [14]
Referrals affective care where you face an imminent and serious threat to our health or could jeopardize your ability to regain maximum function shall be made in a timely fashion appropriate for your condition not exceed seventy-two (72) hours after the Plan s receipt of the necessary documentation requested by the Plan to make the determination. Copies of authorization for regular referrals are sent to you, the specialist, and your primary care dentist. Decisions resulting in denial, delay or modification of requested health care services shall be communicated to you in writing within two (2) business days of the decision. The Plan reserves the right to determine the facility and Plan provider from which Covered Services requiring specialty care are obtained. All services must be authorized before the date the services are provided, except for services provided by your provider for emergency dental care services. If the services are not authorized before they are provided, they will not be a covered benefit, even if the services are needed. This is a summary of the Plan s referral policy. To obtain a copy of our policy please contact us at (877) 821-3234 (TDD/TTY for the hearing impaired at 1-800-735-2929 If your request for a referral is denied, you may appeal the decision by following the Plan s Grievance and Appeal Process found in this booklet. Further information regarding the processes, criteria and procedures that the Plan uses to authorize, modify, or deny dental services under the benefits provided by the Plan are available to the Member, Primary Care Dentists, and the public upon request. Emergency Care Emergency Care is defined as services needed to ease or improve severe pain, swelling, or bleeding, associated with a sudden serious and unexpected illness or injury. During regular Provider office hours, Members may obtain care by contacting their Primary Care Dentist for Emergency treatment. Emergency Care is available to you twenty-four (24) hours a day. If it is an emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest hospital. During regular Provider office hours, Members may obtain care by contacting their PCD for Emergency treatment. After business hours, Members should contact their PCD or Members may contact a twenty-four (24) hour answering service at (877) 821-3234. The on-call operator will get information from the Member regarding the Emergency and relay the information to the on-call Provider. This Provider will then telephone the Member within one (1) hour from the time of the Member's call. The on-call Provider will assess the Emergency and in the event emergency dental services are required, a Plan Provider will meet the Member at the closest available Provider facility for treatment. If a Member requires Emergency Care when outside the Service Area, (the geographic area designated by the Plan within which the Plan shall provide Benefits and Coverage) a Member may seek treatment from the nearest available dentist or emergency room as the circumstances dictate. Any Provider outside the Plan s Service Area may treat your emergency and will be reimbursed without prior authorization. Care that the Plan determines not to meet the definition of Emergency Care will not be covered. Non-Plan Providers may require the Member to make immediate full payment for services. If the Member has to pay the full bill, the Plan will reimburse the Member for services that meet the definition of Emergency Care as defined above. If the Member pays a bill, a copy of the bill should be submitted to the following address within 90 days from the date of treatment: Access Dental Plan Attention: Claims Department P.O. BOX: 659005 Sacramento, CA 95865-9005 [15]
Once the Member has received Emergency Care, the Member must contact his or her Primary Care Dentist (if the Member's own Primary Care Dentist did not perform the Emergency dental care) for follow-up care. The Member will receive all follow-up care from his or her own Primary Care Dentist. Second Opinions Getting a Second Opinion You may ask for a second opinion for Covered Services from another Provider about a condition that your current Provider diagnoses or about a treatment plan that your Provider recommends. Below are some reasons why you may want to ask for a second opinion. You have a question about a strategy, treatment, or procedure your Provider recommends. You have questions about a diagnosis that may threaten loss of life, substantial impairment, including a serious chronic medical condition. There is disagreement regarding your diagnosis or test results. Your health is not improving with your current treatment plan, after an reasonable period of time given. Your Provider is unable to diagnose your problem How to request a second opinion: Access Dental Plan shall provide or authorize a second opinion by an appropriately qualified dental provider. The second opinion will be rendered within 72-hours from the Plan's receipt of request where the Member's condition poses imminent and serious threat to the Member's life. Members interested in obtaining the timeline for authorizing second dental opinions can contact the Plan at: Access Dental Plan Referrals Department P.O. Box: 659005 Sacramento, CA 95865-9005 800-270-6743 ext. 6012 The cost of obtaining the second opinion will be paid by the PLAN. GRIEVANCES AND APPEALS Any information, dispute or complaint should be directed to the Plan at: Access Dental Plan, Inc. Complaint / Grievance Department P.O. BOX: 659005 Sacramento, CA 95865-9005 Grievance Department: (916) 563-6013 Or (877) 821-3234 Members are encouraged to contact the Plan or their provider if they have a complaint or grievance. This could be related to the Plan or one of its providers. Member complaints or grievances can be submitted in the following ways: On the Plan s website at www.premierlife.com; By phone to the Plan s Grievance Department at (916) 563-6013 or (877) 821-3234;or [16]
In writing to the Grievance Department at the address above. A grievance form is at the back of this booklet. Staff will be available at the Plan office or any Plan Provider office to assist Members in completion of this form. Members will receive written notification of receipt of their complaint/grievance within five (5) days. This notice will include the Plan s contact person for their complaint. Additionally, the Member will receive a response within thirty (30) days as to resolution of their grievance. Members have the right to file a grievance if Members believe their linguistic needs have not been met. Members may also file a Request for Assistance to the Department of Managed Health Care after participating in the Plan's grievance procedure for 30 days. The Plan will expedite the review of grievances for cases involving an imminent and serious threat to the health of the Member, including but not limited to, severe pain, potential loss of life, or major bodily function. In cases that require expedited review, the Member has the right to file a Request for Assistance with the Department of Managed Health Care immediately and without having to participate in the Plan s 30 days grievance procedures first. The Plan shall immediately inform the Member in writing of their right to notify the Department of Managed Health Care of the grievance. The Plan will also provide Members and the Department with a written statement of the disposition of pending status of the grievance no later than (3) days from the receipt of the grievance. For grievances involving the delay, denial, or modification of dental care services, the Plan's response will describe the criteria used by the Planand the clinical reasons for its decision, including all criteria and reasons related to dental necessity. In the event that the Plan issues a decision delaying, denying, or modifying the dental services based on whole or part on a finding that the proposed services are not a covered benefit under the Member's contract, the Plan will then clearly specify the decision the provisions in the contract that exclude the coverage. Appeals If you are still unhappy with the decision of your complaint to Access Dental Plan: Members are encouraged to submit appeals to the Plan within 45 days from the date of the resolution of the grievance. Members will be informed in writing of the disposition of the appeal within 30 days of when the appeal request was received in writing. Members may also appeal grievance decisions by requesting a Fair Hearing from the Department of Social Services by contacting (800) 952-5253. The Plan will provide annual notification to Members concerning its grievance procedures as well as periodic notification to MEMBERS of all changes in the Plan. IF YOU STILL NEED HELP Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) The DHCS is responsible for monitoring contractual compliance of all managed care plans who serve Medi-Cal beneficiaries. DHCS has established an Ombudsman Unit to receive complaints regarding Medi-Cal managed care plans To contact the DHCS Ombudsman Unit: Call: 1-866-452-8609 Fair Hearing Member has the right to the Medi-Cal fair hearing process regardless of whether or not a complaint or grievance has been submitted or if the complaint or grievance has been resolved, when a health care service requested by the Member or Provider has not been provided. The State Department of Social Services' Public Inquiry and Response Unit toll free telephone number is 1-800-952-5253. Or the Member may write to: Office of the Chief Administrative Law Judge State Department of Social Service c/o The Department of Health Care Services P.O. Box: 13189 Sacramento, California 95813-3189 [17]
Independent Medical Review (IMR) IMR is a review of you case by one or more doctors who are not part of your health plan. You do not pay anything for an IMR. You should use Access Dental Plan s complaint and appeals processes, as described in the Grievances and Appeals Sectionabove, first. You may qualify for an IMR if Access Dental Plan does one of the following: Denies, changes, or delays a service or treatment because Access Dental Plan determines it is not medically necessary. Denies an experimental or investigational treatment for a serious condition. Will not pay for emergency or urgent care that you already received. If the IMR is decided in your favor, Access Dental Plan must give you the service or treatment you requested. California law requires that we include the following statement: The California Department of Managed Health Care is responsible for regulating health care service plans. If you have a grievance against your health plan, you should first telephone your health plan at (1-800-707-6453) and use your health plan's grievance process before contacting the department. Utilizing this grievance procedure does not prohibit any potential legal rights or remedies that may be available to you. If you need help with a grievance involving an emergency, a grievance that has not been satisfactorily resolved by your health plan, or a grievance that has remained unresolved for more than 30 days, you may call the Department for assistance. You may also be eligible for an Independent Medical Review (IMR). If you are eligible for IMR, the IMR process will provide an impartial review of medical decisions made by a health plan related to the medical necessity of a proposed service or treatment, coverage decisions for treatments that are experimental or investigational in nature and payment disputes for emergency or urgent medical services. The department also has a toll-free telephone number (1-888-HMO-2219) and a TDD line (1-877-688-9891) for the hearing and speech impaired. The department's Internet Web site http://www.hmohelp.ca.gov has complaint forms, IMR application forms and instructions online. Binding Arbitration If you cannot solve your problem through the complaint processes listed above, you can ask for binding arbitration (see below for definition). Binding arbitration is the final step you can take to resolve your complaint with Access Dental Plan. Arbitration is usually less expensive and takes less time than a lawsuit. Arbitration can be requested by either the Access Dental Plan or the Member. Definition of binding arbitration: Arbitration is a way to solve disputes, disagreements, or problems without filing a formal lawsuit. One or more people, called arbitrators, who are not connected with you or with the Plan make the final decision on your case. Together, you and the Plan choose and approve the arbitrator(s). If the parties are unable to agree on the selection of a neutral arbitrator, the Plan shall use the method provided in section 1281.6 of the Code of Civil Procedure to select the arbitrator. If the parties agree to waive the requirement to use a single neutral arbitrator: - The enrollee or subscriber shall have three business days to cancel the agreement. If the agreement is also signed by counsel of the enrollee or subscriber: - The agreement shall be binding and may not be cancelled The arbitrator(s) review the case and then write a decision, called an opinion. Both you and Plan must accept (be bound by) the decision of the arbitrators. How to request arbitration: Send a written request (also call a demand) for arbitration to Access Dental Plan, Attn: Arbitration Requests, 8890 Cal Center Drive, Ssacramento, CA 95826: [18]